Business

Mayr-Melnhof Packaging UK has entered into consultation with employees and union Unite over job cuts at its Bootle operation.

The news follows the announcement that the company will be investing £1.6m in new and upgraded equipment at its finishing department in Bootle.

In a statement MMP UK revealed that it is hoped that this, coupled with a reallocating of business, "will create a streamlined, more competitive plant in Liverpool specialising in the production of packaging for the cereal market".

MMP UK also stated that Bootle's sister site in Deeside will focus on the company's in the company's remaining business in the confectionery and food packaging markets.

Unite rep Phil Morgan told Packaging News that he is scheduled to meet with the company again next week and was optimist that losses may be reduced from 45.

The Bootle site previously served the cereal, pet food and confectionery markets.

It specialises in UV printing, in-house design and reprographics, inline CD, offset-laminating, lenticular and leaflet application and packaging systems solutions.

Austria-based MM Packaging employs 5,600 employees across 28 locations in Austria, Germany, France, UK, Spain, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Tunisia, Turkey and Jordan.